Dealing with Dealing with Difficult PeopleDifficult People

By:Dalton NielsonJeff Brown William Keils

Understanding Difficult Understanding Difficult BehaviorBehavior

Difficult people are usually a result of conflicting personalities not because of intentional behaviors.

If you notice someone is more difficult around you than others, it may simply be your personalities clash.

It’s important to remember we can all be difficult whether we mean to or not.

Recognizing Difficult Recognizing Difficult PeoplePeopleKey characteristics

◦They’re never satisfied “I pay to go here, I should get whatever I want!”

◦They don’t communicate properly. “Because I said so.”

◦Can be argumentative or unreasonable.◦They often use their power to obstruct

“Do you know who my father is?” “I can sue you!”

Types of Difficult PeopleTypes of Difficult People

◦Bulldozer◦Saboteur◦Procrastinator◦Whiner◦Exploder!◦Pleaser◦Grandstander

The “Bulldozer”The “Bulldozer”Characteristics

LoudObnoxiousBully

Delights in intimidating peopleand getting their own way.

The “Saboteur”The “Saboteur”

CharacteristicsUndercuts

others to make themselves look good.

Stabs people in the back.

Goes behind their backs.

The “Procrastinator”The “Procrastinator”

CharacteristicsCan’t make a

decision.Afraid of doing the

wrong thing.Poor time

management skills.Occasionally will

use procrastination as a way of getting attention.

The “Whiner”The “Whiner”

CharacteristicsEverything is

always wrong.Bad things

always happen to these people.

They are overworked but spend most of their time complaining.

The “Exploder!”The “Exploder!”

CharacteristicsLoses temper

over little things.

Uses explosions to get their way.

Has probably been doing this since childhood.

The “Pleaser”The “Pleaser”

CharacteristicsAgrees with everyone.

Never has an opinion.

People Pleasure.

The “Grandstander”The “Grandstander”

CharacteristicsInsecure Needs to feel

good about himself or herself.

Knows just a little about everything, but has no in- depth knowledge on anything.

Tips and Strategies

Choose Words CarefullyoThere are certain “Trigger Words” that

can cause people to become more difficult especially in emotionally charged situations.

oThese “Trigger Words” include:o“Calm Down!”o“You have to…”o“You can’t…”o“Sorry”o“But”

More Tips and Strategies

Never over-promise or make threats• In difficult situations we’re often tempted

to make promises that we can’t keep. Be honest.

• If you add fuel to the fire (threats), the person will become even more angry and difficult.

• You will lose credibility if you can’t keep promises or follow through with the threats.